A Chip off the Old Block: Alternative Approaches to Debitage Analysis

Abstract

A great diversity of approaches to the analysis of chipped stone debitage has been developed. This article explores the relative strengths and weaknesses of four different methods by applying them to the analysis of experimentally produced debitage. The mass analysis technique (cf. Ahler 1989) was found to be sensitive to reduction mode (hard hammer, soft hammer, pressure) and to overall stages of lithic reduction. It seems limited, however, in its capacity for detecting differences in core form and reduction strategy. Application of the four-component analytical scheme proposed by Sullivan and Rozen (1985) suggests that only one of the four categories (commonly referred to as shatter or non-flake debitage) possesses any marked technological significance. Striking platform and platform edge attributes appear to possess considerable potential for distinguishing aspects of coreform and reduction strategy. Metric attributes, by themselves, may not be ideally suited for detecting technological variation in debitage, but can be used to enhance the interpretations derived from other analytical approaches. It is concluded that no single method is uniquely suited to characterize the range of technological data that may be represented in chipped stone debitage. A battery of independent and mutually sup-portive techniques may provide the lithic ana-lyst with a more accurate and comprehensive perspective of archaeological flaking debris.